President Maithripala Sirisena has reviewed the progress of the programs implemented by the government to provide relief to the drought affected people in various parts of the country.
A meeting in this regard was held at the Presidential Secretariat, today (29th Aug.).
The President inquired from the officials about the program to distribute dry rations among the affected people.He also questioned about the progress of the program to provide drinking water to the people and further instructed the officials to purchase 100 bowsers to make this process efficient.
President Sirisena has also deployed Tri-Forces officers to look into the relief activities carried out by the government, and their contribution was also reviewed.
The President reviewed the progress of the programs implemented to provide water and food for the affected wild animals.
The President pointed out the importance of preparing for severe drought conditions which could occur in the future as a result of adverse weather and climate change. He explained the necessity of preparing as a country by conducting research in this regard as well as with long term plans.
A delegation including Tim Sutton, country representative for UNICEF in Sri Lanka, handed over four Water Bowsers to the President, for the purpose of further expanding the supply of drinking water facilities for the people affected by the drought.
Subsequently, the President handed over the documents related to the water bowsers to the Minister of City Planning and Water Supply Rauff Hakeem, Deputy Minister Sudarshini Fernandopulle and the Ministry Secretary Sarath Chandrasiri Vithana.
